Shrimp and Gnocchi with Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce is a delightful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This meal combines tender shrimp and fluffy gnocchi in a rich and creamy sauce, making it a hit at the dinner table. If you’re looking for a comforting yet elegant recipe, this one is sure to impress family and friends alike.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to try this recipe! First, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The combination of shrimp and gnocchi gives you a unique texture that is satisfying. Plus, the garlic parmesan cream sauce elevates the dish with a flavorful punch. It’s a simple way to bring a taste of Italian cuisine into your home without much fuss.
How to Make Shrimp and Gnocchi with Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce
Making this delicious dish is easier than you might think. Follow the steps below to create a tasty meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) package gnocchi
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 pound medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth (or more, as needed)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 cup half and half
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Directions
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook gnocchi according to package instructions; drain well.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add shrimp, and season with salt and pepper. Cook until shrimp are pink, about 2-3 minutes; set aside.
- To make the garlic parmesan cream sauce, melt 1/4 cup of butter in the skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Whisk in flour and cook until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth, thyme, and basil. Cook while whisking constantly for about 1-2 minutes until it’s well combined.
- Stir in half and half and Parmesan cheese. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add more half and half as needed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked shrimp and gnocchi to the sauce and gently toss to combine.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley, if desired.
How to Serve Shrimp and Gnocchi with Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce
This dish is best served hot. You can plate it individually or serve it family-style in a large bowl. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. Pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Shrimp and Gnocchi with Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or half and half to loosen the sauce if necessary.
Tips to Make Shrimp and Gnocchi with Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce
- Make sure the shrimp are cooked just until they turn pink to avoid overcooking.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better than pre-grated cheese, giving you a smoother sauce.
- You can easily add vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the dish for extra flavor and nutrients.
Variation
For a twist on this recipe, you can use scallops instead of shrimp. The cooking method remains the same, but adjust the cooking time slightly as scallops take a little longer to cook.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance. Warm it gently when ready to serve and add the cooked shrimp and gnocchi.
Is there a substitute for gnocchi?
If you don’t have gnocchi, you can use pasta like gnocchi or even rice as an alternative.
This Shrimp and Gnocchi with Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce recipe is not only easy to make, but it also creates a delicious meal that everyone will adore! Enjoy your cooking!
Shrimp and Gnocchi with Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 package (16-ounce) gnocchi
- 1 pound medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for cooking shrimp
- Kosher salt Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves for garnish
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter for sauce
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth or more, as needed
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 cup half and half
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan freshly grated melts better
Instructions
Cooking the Gnocchi
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook gnocchi according to package instructions; drain well.
Cooking the Shrimp
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Working in batches, add shrimp, and season with salt and pepper. Cook until shrimp are pink, about 2-3 minutes; set aside.
Making the Sauce
- Melt 1/4 cup of butter in the skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Whisk in flour and cook until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth, thyme, and basil. Cook while whisking constantly for about 1-2 minutes until it’s well combined.
- Stir in half and half and Parmesan cheese. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add more half and half as needed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combining Everything
- Add the cooked shrimp and gnocchi to the sauce and gently toss to combine.
Serving
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley, if desired.
